Amber Dias gets into the holiday spirit with some festive punches.

The holiday season, a glittering parade of twinkling lights, laughter and indulgence, calls for celebrations that dazzle and delight. While sparkling wines and bespoke cocktails have taken over the drink scene, an old party favourite is rolling back into the spotlight – the punch bowl. Once relegated to kitschy retro-themed parties, punches have been reinvented with a modern, luxurious twist, quickly becoming the must-have centerpiece for opulent holiday soirees.

Flavour Feature

If you’re unfamiliar with this classic party staple, a punch is traditionally a concoction of spirits, citrus, sugar, spice, and water. It is generally prepared in large batches and served in a large bowl or pitcher. Known history dates its origins to 17 Century India when Johan Albert de Mandelslo, a German who ran a factory in Surat, wrote that his workers drank “a kind of drink made of brandy, rosewater, lemon juice and sugar”. The name itself is possibly derived from the Hindi word paanch, meaning five – a reference to the number of ingredients. It was introduced to Europe by British sailors and became the drink of choice for aristocrats and affluent socialites. The extravagant punch bowls of yore, often crafted from sterling silver or fine crystal, were symbols of wealth and hospitality.

Fast forward to today, this concoction has taken more than a few avatars. With alcoholic and non-alcoholic versions up for grabs, recipes plate with a variety of mixers like liquors, liqueurs, teas, soda, ginger ale, ginger beer, seltzer, fresh fruit and fruit juice.

Party On!

At the heart of punch’s resurgence lies its communal nature. A beautifully crafted punch bowl, brimming with jewel-toned liquid and garnished with fragrant citrus wheels, pomegranate arils, and sprigs of fresh herbs, invites guests to gather, converse, and toast to the season’s joys.

Party planners are tapping into this sentiment, curating punches that are as much about the presentation as the palate. Think heirloom crystal bowls paired with artisanal ladles, nestled on tables adorned with gilded accents and lush greenery. These setups create not just a drink station but an interactive, Instagram-worthy focal point for the evening.

In addition to its aesthetic and gustatory appeal, punch offers a practical advantage for hosts: It’s a crowd-pleaser that can be prepared in advance. This frees up time to focus on other elements of the party or to simply enjoy the company of guests. Another trend is the inclusion of interactive punch stations. Guests can customize their glasses with a variety of add-ins, such as flavoured bitters, fresh herbs, or liqueurs. This element of personalisation adds a playful, luxurious touch and ensures there’s something for every palate.

An Elevated Experience

Today’s punches are crafted with premium spirits, exotic fruits, house-made syrups, and even edible gold leaf. Mixologists are experimenting with aged rums, small-batch gins, and smoky mezcal, layering flavours with ingredients like yuzu, hibiscus, and saffron.

For a truly festive touch, sparkling wines or champagnes are often added just before serving, lending effervescence and elegance. Garnishes, too, have become works of art, with frozen floral ice rings, dehydrated citrus slices, and edible glitter elevating the aesthetic appeal.

On The Menu

While signature cocktails are unique to the couple and event, here are a few ideas for a little inspiration…

• Champagne punch: This fizzy punch combines sparkling wine or prosecco, vodka, orange juice, pineapple juice, and sparkling water or club soda. Perfect for a brunch or a daytime party, like a bridal shower.

• Vodka cranberry punch: Mix the vodka, cranberry juice, lime or orange juice, and frozen or fresh cranberries for a visual treat. Serve it in a pitcher with an array of garnishes on the side to decorate each glass.

• Spiced paradise punch: Dark rum, tamarind syrup, passionfruit juice, and star anise, with a smoky cinnamon garnish for an exotic flair.

• Ruby red celebration punch: Pomegranate juice, prosecco, orange slices, and a splash of grenadine, topped with fresh mint sprigs, will give your guests something to talk about.

• Tropical holiday escape: Coconut rum, pineapple juice, lime, and a hint of nutmeg, garnished with toasted coconut and pineapple wedges, make a fun daytime party addition.

A Toast To The Season

The resurgence of punch at holiday parties is more than just a passing trend; it’s a reflection of a broader shift towards experiences that marry tradition with modernity. It’s about celebrating togetherness, indulging in a touch of decadence, and creating moments that linger long after the last drop has been poured. Whether you’re hosting an intimate gathering or a grand affair, a luxurious punch bowl — brimming with flavour, style, and festive cheer — is your ticket to a party that’s both timeless and unforgettable.

Holiday Punches To Try

• Eggnog Espresso Delight
• Gingerbread Rum Punch
• Grinch Punch
• Winter Berry Punch